Online learning, e-learning, or distance learning, is one of the fastest growing trends in education according to the National Center for Education Statistics .Over 42% of public school districts were in enrolled in some form of distance learning in the United States in 2004[1] . Beginning with correspondence classes over 100 years ago as a way to serve students in who were geographically located distant from a university, distance learning encompasses courses taught through correspondence by snail mail, phone, and internet. In the last 20 years, online learning has blossomed with the advent of the internet and wide spread access. More recently, online learning has moving out beyond institutes of higher education and the technology fields of math, engineering, and design and into the K-12 learning sector.
In 2007, 28 states had virtual high school program and enrollment continues to climb as technology improves.[2] Distance learning takes on many different forms depending on the audience it is serving, but it remains popular for several reason; it increases the access for those who cannot or chose not to attend a traditional face-to-face institution; it is cost efficient; teachers can handle more students, and yet still ensure quality learning comparable to that achieved in a face-to-face classroom.
There is a significant difference between distance learning at institution of higher education and in the K-12 grades. Here we will focus on the emergence of distance learning in the K-12 arena and its structure and effectiveness. [3]
Pros and Cons
Benefits of Online Learning
Generally, there are five attributes that make online education a unique environment for education: Group communication, time independence supports, place independence, text-based/enriched messaging (enhanced by multiple media), and computer mediated environments.
Group communication - The benefits of group communication include active exchange of information, identification of new perspectives, and the opportunity to compare, discuss, modify, or replace concepts.
Time independence supports - Online based learning allows students and educators twenty-four hour access, as users can respond immediately to reflect and write a response.
Place independence - Allows for access to a wealth of Web resources, as well as those from peers and experts
Text-based/enriched messaging - clear expression and a rich database of ideas and more focus is placed on the message rather than the messenger (allowing a reduction in socio-physical discrimination).
Include online conferences, which are spaces in which seminars, discussions, debates, and group projects can be made.
Computer Mediated Enivironments - allows for an easily searchable database, building tools to exchange and organize ideas to support collaborative learning, building templates, and customization.
Customized educational network environments include tools to provide easy access and navigation, manage a course (calendars, grade books, easy uploading and downloading of media files), support cognitive activities that have messageboards, visuals, annotations, and concept mapping, and provide group and personal workspaces.[4]
In addition to these five attributes, online education is beneficial because it expands access to education in order to meet the education and training needs of state residents and companies aiming to educate those in under-served populations. With this option, people are not restricted by class schedules that may interfere with work and family responsibilities. Also, online education can alleviate capacity constraints, as current university facilities cannot accommodate the surge of student numbers.[5]
Negative Effects of Online Learning
Students are missing the benefits of face-to-face interaction with the instructor and among students in guiding them through the course.
Some students may find access to the necessary technology challenging and the availability of technical support limited.
Some administrators and instructors who do not understand the workload may display a negative attitude toward online education and affect the effectiveness of online learning. [6]
Programs that seek to change student attitudes, such as dealing with cultural differences or behavioral training, do not work as well online.
Courses that require students to use physical skills, such as welding, auto mechanics, or learning how to fly cannot rely on online learning as hands on experience is vital to the success of the course.
Can be limited to the experience and knowledge of the instructor, as instructors vary in levels of creativity and technical knowledge.
If students believe that they are receiving sufficient material online, they may not come to class.
Students may not all sign in at the same time in an activity that requires all student participation, which could potentially upset the entire lesson.
Students may feel the need for a more immediate response to their questions or submissions, which may not always occur in messageboards or classroom forums.
It may be an expensive process for students who have to upgrade computer hardware, software, or other equipment.
Online learning systems may make it difficult to control participation of the students, so instructors must have a method of checking that each student is participating
The internet itself can be a huge distraction to students
Assessment programs may be viewed as highly impersonal if instructors rely on multiple choice, true/false, and other "click the answer" responses. [7]
Structure of Programs
As online learning becomes more prevalent in the K-12 learning community, the lay-out of the programs continue to change as new needs are addressed. Students have many different options for online learning. Students attending a public school in the regular setting may choose to take extra classes online to earn extra credits. Some online learning programs are designed for students to complete all courses online and to earn their high school diploma through the program. Online learning is also known as distance or distributed learning.
Distance/Distributed Learning
Originally intended to cater to students placed at a disadvantage because of their geographic location.
Any approach to education that replaces the same-time, same-place, face-to-face environment of a traditional classroom.[8]
Heavy reliance on technology
Learner-Centered
The learner sets their own learning needs, goals and outcomes
The learner plans and organizes the learning task[9]
Opened in 1996 and, since then, has offered successful online courses
Classes are teacher facilitated
Class sizes limited to 25 students
All learning takes place on the internet
Classes on a scheduled asynchronous mode
Follows a semester schedule with due dates; but, students can complete work any time during the week, as long as it is completed by the due date.
As online learning becomes more popular, computer programs must accommodate the various needs of teachers and students. Learning Management System (LMS) software offers a way to administer, deliver, and track online learning. The software is designed to assist teachers with planning their online instruction and communicating with parents.
^ Gray, Lucinda; Thomas, Nina; Lewis, Laurie. "Educational Technology in U.S. Public Schools: Fall 2008" National Center for Education Statistics.May 30, 2011.
^ Means, Barbar et. al. "Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning. A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies." US Department of Education.May 30, 2011.
^ Thierry Volery, Deborah Lord, (2000) "Critical success factors in online education", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 14 Iss: 5, pp.216 - 223
^ Harasim, Linda. "Shift Happens: Online Education as a New Paradigm in Learning." TeleLearning Network of Centres of Exellence, Simon Fraser University rbour Centre. May 31, 2011.
^ Thierry Volery, Deborah Lord, (2000) "Critical success factors in online education", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 14 Iss: 5, pp.216 - 223
^ Jones, Carol Larson. "Online Education." Encyclopedia of Business and Finance. Macmillian Reference USA, 2007. p.560.
^ Taylor, Robert W. "Pros and Cons of Online Learning - A Faculty Perspective." Journal of European Industrial Traning 26/1 (2002) 24-27. June 4, 2011.
^ Thierry Volery, Deborah Lord, (2000) "Critical success factors in online education", International Journal of Educational Management, Vol. 14 Iss: 5, pp.216 - 223
^ Candy, P.C., Crebert, G. and O'Leary, J. (1994), "Developing Lifelong Learners through Undergraduate Education", National Board of Employment, Education and Training, Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra.
^ "Online High School Types." High Schools Guide. HighSchoolsGuide.net, 2005. Web. 5 Jun 2011..
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
| What is Online Learning? A Brief History | Pros and Cons | Structure of Programs |
What is Online Learning? A Brief History
Online learning, e-learning, or distance learning, is one of the fastest growing trends in education according to the National Center for Education Statistics .Over 42% of public school districts were in enrolled in some form of distance learning in the United States in 2004[1] . Beginning with correspondence classes over 100 years ago as a way to serve students in who were geographically located distant from a university, distance learning encompasses courses taught through correspondence by snail mail, phone, and internet. In the last 20 years, online learning has blossomed with the advent of the internet and wide spread access. More recently, online learning has moving out beyond institutes of higher education and the technology fields of math, engineering, and design and into the K-12 learning sector.
In 2007, 28 states had virtual high school program and enrollment continues to climb as technology improves.[2] Distance learning takes on many different forms depending on the audience it is serving, but it remains popular for several reason; it increases the access for those who cannot or chose not to attend a traditional face-to-face institution; it is cost efficient; teachers can handle more students, and yet still ensure quality learning comparable to that achieved in a face-to-face classroom.
Schools or institutions who offer online learning courses are typically fall under one of the following four rationals: expand access to meet educational and state demands, to alleviate capacity constrains, to capitalize on emerging marker opportunities, or to serve as a catalyst for institutional transformation to deal with cuts to public funding. In particular, universities have a
There is a significant difference between distance learning at institution of higher education and in the K-12 grades. Here we will focus on the emergence of distance learning in the K-12 arena and its structure and effectiveness.
[3]
Pros and Cons
Benefits of Online LearningGenerally, there are five attributes that make online education a unique environment for education: Group communication, time independence supports, place independence, text-based/enriched messaging (enhanced by multiple media), and computer mediated environments.
- Group communication - The benefits of group communication include active exchange of information, identification of new perspectives, and the opportunity to compare, discuss, modify, or replace concepts.
- Time independence supports - Online based learning allows students and educators twenty-four hour access, as users can respond immediately to reflect and write a response.
- Place independence - Allows for access to a wealth of Web resources, as well as those from peers and experts
- Text-based/enriched messaging - clear expression and a rich database of ideas and more focus is placed on the message rather than the messenger (allowing a reduction in socio-physical discrimination).
- Include online conferences, which are spaces in which seminars, discussions, debates, and group projects can be made.
- Computer Mediated Enivironments - allows for an easily searchable database, building tools to exchange and organize ideas to support collaborative learning, building templates, and customization.
- Customized educational network environments include tools to provide easy access and navigation, manage a course (calendars, grade books, easy uploading and downloading of media files), support cognitive activities that have messageboards, visuals, annotations, and concept mapping, and provide group and personal workspaces.[4]
In addition to these five attributes, online education is beneficial because it expands access to education in order to meet the education and training needs of state residents and companies aiming to educate those in under-served populations. With this option, people are not restricted by class schedules that may interfere with work and family responsibilities. Also, online education can alleviate capacity constraints, as current university facilities cannot accommodate the surge of student numbers.[5]Negative Effects of Online Learning
Structure of Programs
As online learning becomes more prevalent in the K-12 learning community, the lay-out of the programs continue to change as new needs are addressed. Students have many different options for online learning. Students attending a public school in the regular setting may choose to take extra classes online to earn extra credits. Some online learning programs are designed for students to complete all courses online and to earn their high school diploma through the program. Online learning is also known as distance or distributed learning.Distance/Distributed Learning
====Four Types of Online High Schools[10]
- Private
- Not Controlled By the Government
- Many are regionally accredited
2. Public- Many states are now offering online public schools
- Must follow state standards
3. Online Charter Schools- Funded by the government, but run independently
4. University-Affiliated Online SchoolsExample of a Full-time Online High School
Virtual High School
As online learning becomes more popular, computer programs must accommodate the various needs of teachers and students. Learning Management System (LMS) software offers a way to administer, deliver, and track online learning. The software is designed to assist teachers with planning their online instruction and communicating with parents.